Questions Parents Ask About Young Children's Reading Behaviors (continued)

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Why does my child ask me to read and then keep interrupting?

When children listen to a story, they are in on-the-job-training as readers. Reading is the process of deriving meaning from print, and your child's questions show that he or she is working to make sense out of the book. The best story sharing sessions include playful discussions of the book. In fact, as much as 80 percent of the talk that takes place when a skillful adult reads a picture book to a child could be described as commentary about the pictures or text. Try to follow the child's lead instead of putting her on the spot through constant quizzing. You might wonder out loud, saying something like, "Hmm. I wonder what the puppy will do now ... " Another way to talk about books is to merely comment, saying, for instance, "It looks like nobody recognizes Harry now that he is all dirty." Both the adult and the child should leave the session with a feeling of satisfaction.

How do I choose books my child will like?

Although there are books that have delighted children for decades, it is sometimes difficult to predict which books children will really love. One thing is certain: With thousands of new books for children published annually, there is no good reason to stick with a book that does not interest your child. Try borrowing a selection of books from the library with some help from a children's librarian and then letting your child choose. Consult with your child's caregiver or teacher about books that seem to be appealing or lists of recommended books. Apply some basic selection criteria of your own, such as Does the content or level seem appropriate for my child? Has the book been well endorsed by families (e.g., earned a Parents' Choice Award)? Do the pictures complement the story? Would I enjoy sharing this book with my child? Does the book appear to be a high-quality product (good illustrations, print quality, skillful use of language)? The clear sign that a book has been well received by your child is the request "Read it again!"

Why does my child ask to hear the same book over and over again?

According to Picture Book Stndio USA (1985):

A picture book of real substance is enjoyed again and again. It is like visiting a favorite vacation spot. No matter how well you know it, going back is always a delight. It is a calm secure place with no real surprises, but a constant supply of good times nevertheless. All the memories are sweet, all the best views and secret places are recalled and anticipated, and the very familiarity is a comfort and a rest. (p. 2)

Even though adults may grow weary of rereading the same book, that repetition leads to a major breakthrough. After children memorize all of the words in a story, they can use familiarity to gain insights about the reading process. When a child protests if an adult misreads a passage or tries to abbreviate the text, it is a sign that the child is learning to read. Although adults sometimes scoff at memorization and say it is not real reading, memorization is a step in the process of learning to read.